A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development that acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment. It is open to the public and operates in a spirit of service, with diversity and sustainability as fundamental values.
The term “museum” has classical roots, deriving from the Greek word mousion (a seat of the Muses) and Latin museion. In Roman times, the term was applied primarily to places of philosophical discussion and a place for collecting and displaying curiosities.
By the 17th century, the word was widely used in Europe to describe collections of curiosities, such as Ole Worm’s collection in Copenhagen and John Tradescant’s collection in Lambeth, which eventually became the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England. As the collections grew, museums began to acquire buildings to house them.
A number of museums focus on a specific art style or period. Others focus on a particular aspect of culture, such as science or natural history. Still others specialize in one medium, such as film or photography. Museums also may have a variety of exhibitions, including temporary and traveling displays.
Museums acquire objects in many ways, and most museums own a variety of objects that are not on display at all. Some museums own artifacts that were taken long ago from people and cultures without their permission, and they are working to return those items.
While the old definition focused on collecting and preserving objects, the new definition stresses how museums should be part of their communities. It encourages museums to be more inclusive and open to diverse voices. It emphasizes the need for museums to engage their communities, and it challenges them to shift their objectives from transmitting expert knowledge to fostering dialogue and connection.
As museums evolve to meet the challenges of our changing world, their understanding of their roles in society has changed. New museums are emerging around the globe, often in partnership with local community members and organizations. They address a range of social issues, from climate change to the Anthropocene, through exhibitions and programs. They are increasingly embracing the concept of resiliency, and they are developing strategies to support their staff and their visitors in the face of crises and disasters.
While some of these new museum models are still under development, they represent the direction that museums are taking. In the future, many museums will be more open and accessible to all, while maintaining their collections in trust for the benefit of society. In addition, they will be more inclusive and democratic in their organizational structures and practices, and they will continue to work with communities to foster connections and create a sense of belonging.